Case-bearing Clothes Moth Larva
Scientific Name: Tinea pellionella
Order & Family: Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), Tineidae (fungus moths, clothes moths, and allies)
Size: Larvae typically 10-14 mm in length; the case itself is usually 6-12 mm long.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, particularly in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, storage chests, and behind furniture. They feed on natural fibers.
Diet & Feeding
Keratin-containing materials such as wool, fur, feathers, hair, felt, silk, and sometimes cotton or synthetic blends if soiled with food or perspiration.
Behavior Patterns
The larva lives within a silk case that it constructs and camouflages with bits of the material it is feeding on or surrounding debris. It carries this case with it as it moves and feeds, only exposing its head and legs. They are generally slow-moving and avoid light.
Risks & Benefits
Potential Risks: Significant pest of textiles, clothing, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Can cause damage to valuable natural fiber items. No known benefits to humans directly. Potential Benefits: In natural environments (not indoors), they act as decomposers of animal remains like fur and feathers.
Identified on: 10/9/2025